Barna on Universalism

Last updated on: April 20, 2011 at 6:21 am By Scot McKnight

David Kinnaman’s most recent report is on “inclusivism” and “exclusivism” among Americans. If you are looking for a book that sketches various views, I recommend William Crockett, Four Views on Hell. Anything surprise you here? There is an increasing number of Christians who are soft universalists, pluralistic, or inclusivist. Do you agree or disagree? Most Americans believe they, themselves, will go to heaven. Yet, when asked to describe their views about the religious destiny of others, people become much less forgiving.... Read more

Lent 7: Seven Deadly Sins (Jeff Cook)

Last updated on: April 20, 2011 at 6:26 am By Scot McKnight

Jeff Cook, author of Seven: The Deadly Sins and the Beatitudes , has offered some brief meditations for us to ponder during Lent this year. Gluttony During Lent, we will meditate together on the Seven Deadly Sins and use this list as an aid in confession as we prepare ourselves for Holy Week, Good Friday and the Easter announcement of resurrection. When Adam and Eve fell in the garden, their sin was not about sex or violence. Nor was their... Read more

Seneca Two

Last updated on: April 17, 2011 at 6:58 pm By Scot McKnight

From Arise, by Mimi Hadad: Last year a group of Christian women launched a Seneca Falls Two conference to address the prevalence of violence in Christian homes—abuse they believe is a result of a misinterpretation of Scripture. The Seneca Falls Two conference took place on the 162nd anniversary of the American Suffragists Conference, held in Seneca Falls, New York, in 1848. At the original Seneca Falls meeting, 300 men and women met in a Methodist church to demand equality for... Read more

Test of Faith – Does Science Threaten Belief in God? (RJS)

Last updated on: April 19, 2011 at 5:51 am By RJS

There is a new resource available from the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion that I would like to point to today. This web site, Test of FAITH, was put together to provide introductory resources for those who are interested in or troubled by the interaction between science and faith. There is a film: Test of FAITH: Does Science threaten belief in God?, a book: Test of Faith: Spiritual Journeys with Scientists, resources for group discussions with a leaders guide... Read more

Into the Depths of Why? 3

Last updated on: April 19, 2011 at 5:49 am By Scot McKnight

Adam Hamilton’s new book, Why?: Making Sense of God’s Will, explores one of the more existentially relevant to (some) Christians: What is God’s will? or Why can’t I see God’s will for my life? The number of times I’ve had students bring this topic up with me is beyond my memory, but it’s common enough. What Hamilton writes in this chp is more or less what I’ve said, but the images he uses will become my standard ones. What about... Read more

Engedi

Last updated on: April 18, 2011 at 7:29 am By Scot McKnight

Kris and I were at Engedi Church this weekend, and it involved two days. On Saturday we had a Blue Parakeet institute/teaching day, and on Sunday I did the teaching during both morning worship services, and taught on the Triumphal Entry of Jesus. A good time from beginning to end with a vibrant, missional and active young church. There is both global outreach and local ministries, including an arts center. I’m confident I’ve never seen so many young adults in... Read more

Exploring Love Wins 8

Last updated on: April 18, 2011 at 7:27 am By Scot McKnight

“There Are Rocks Everywhere” is the most controversial and important chapter in Rob Bell’s new book, Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived. This chp is going to take some special grace if we want a good conversation. I am asking that you pause quietly and slow down enough to pray this prayer as the way to approach this entire series: O Lord, you have taught us that without love whatever... Read more

Side A and Side B

Last updated on: April 17, 2011 at 7:28 pm By Scot McKnight

From Patrick Mitchel, my friend in Dublin: I was over earlier this week in England for a Bible College/ theological institutions in the UK and Ireland shindig / get together / discussion / time of fellowship sort of thing in the lovely campus of All Nations Christian College. An excellent time. At a meeting like this I’m reminded of the continual tension between what I’ll call SIDE A and SIDE B of Christian ministry. SIDE A reflects an emphasis on ‘ministry’,... Read more

Dear God … 3

Last updated on: April 15, 2011 at 6:34 am By Scot McKnight

Eucharistic Reflections 7

Last updated on: April 14, 2011 at 8:05 am By Scot McKnight

Brant Pitre, in his new book, Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper, explores the Jewish roots of the Christian faith and, in particular, the Jewish roots of eucharist. We have sanitized, de-historicized, and problematized the Lord’s supper in Christian discourse. To get behind these problems, one we can do is revisit the Lord’s supper in its Passover context. Which is what Pitre does in this book. Today is Triumphal Entry Sunday.... Read more

What did the Israelites have to gather twice as much of before Sabbath?